15 Ways the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Could Beat the Galaxy Note 2

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is on the way, there is no doubt about that, but how much better will it be than the current model, the Samsung Galaxy Note 2? The likely answer, quite a bit. While it’s still difficult to peg the exact features of the Galaxy Note 3, it’s easy to imagine many of the ways that the upcoming model could beat the current Galaxy Note 2.

Many moons ago, Samsung introduced the original Samsung Galaxy Note phablet, a large-screened smartphone that took on both characteristics of a smartphone and of a tablet, the latter thanks to its massive display and bundled S Pen stylus. While critics and consumers were skeptical at first, the Galaxy Note series caught on and has continued to be a dominant force in the Android world.

With the jump from the Samsung Galaxy Note to the Samsung Galaxy Note 2, Samsung tweaked the device, in some cases ever so slightly, and produced the best Galaxy Note model to date. Of course, that’s what consumers have come to expect from next-generation devices, though that isn’t always the case. (Remember the Palm Pre 2?)

This year, the company looks intent on releasing another Galaxy Note model, currently dubbed the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, a device that will look to continue the success of the Galaxy Note series in the United States and elsewhere.

Galaxy Note 3 rumors have persisted for months and right now, the device isn’t expected to land on shelves until far later in the year with a launch date in September being a distinct possibility.

With September only a few months away, consumers are likely weighing the Galaxy Note 3 rumors against other devices and against one in particular, the Samsung Galaxy Note 2.

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While we don’t have all of the answers yet, we do have some credible rumors that we can blend with some educated guesses in an attempt to separate the Galaxy Note 3 from the Galaxy Note 2.

Here, we take a look at fifteen different ways that the new Galaxy Note 3 could beat the current Samsung Galaxy Note 2.

Higher Resolution Display

While the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 offered some differences from the original Galaxy Note, one place where Samsung failed to make a major leap was in the quality of the display.

The original boasted a 5.3-inch display with 1280 x 800 pixel resolution, 16:10 aspect ratio, and a 284.8 pixel-per-inch count. The Galaxy Note 2 sports a 5.5-inch display with 1280 x 720 pixel resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio and a 265 pixel-per-inch count. Both are good, but there simply wasn’t a big jump in quality.

The Galaxy Note 2 display is good, but the Galaxy Note 3 display will likely be better.

With the Galaxy Note 3, rumors suggest that Samsung will be making that big jump with the Galaxy Note 3 and offer a massive 1080p resolution display, measuring around 6-inches, with a pixel-per-inch count that is well over 300.

This is likely, considering the market, considering the display technology that is clearly in the possession of Samsung and many other companies. For instance, we just saw LG announce the LG Optimus G Pro with a 5.5-inch 1080p display.

No way that Samsung skips high-resolution with the Galaxy Note 3 which means that this is a likely area where the new Galaxy Note will win out.

Better Low-Light Photos

Like the display, Samsung did not see it fit to make a massive jump in quality from the Galaxy Note and Galaxy Note 2 when it comes to the camera. Both devices featured 8MP rear cameras which both performed admirably but unfortunately were no where close to the top of line sensors that were on the market then or on the market today.

That will more than likely change with the Galaxy Note 3 as rumors suggest a 13MP camera sensor that should benefit Galaxy Note 3 buyers in more ways than one.

The Galaxy Note 3 should feature a more impressive camera.

One area that should see a drastic improvement is in the quality of low-light photos. This was not a strength of either the Galaxy Note 2 or the original Note though it might finally be with the new model.

The Galaxy S4 possesses a 13MP camera and if the sensor is on par with it, and it should be, then consumers can expect the Galaxy Note 3 to shoot much better low-light photos than the Galaxy Note 2.

Optical Zoom

One of the more curious Galaxy Note 3 rumors that has surfaced is also in regards to its camera though not the sensor itself but one of the features that might accompany it.

Most smartphones have a digital zoom, meaning, users can tap on the screen within the camera app to zoom in on something. However, it’s not a true zoom. Instead, it’s as if the camera is cropping the photo.

The Galaxy Note 3 is rumored to have 3X optical zoom which would put it on par with many of the point and shoot cameras that are out there that are able to use the lenses to zoom in without sacrificing quality.

If this is true, this is something that would put not only the Galaxy Note 2 camera to shame but many of the other cameras out there as well.

Improved S Pen Experience

One of the biggest features of the Galaxy Note series is the S Pen stylus that Samsung bundles in with the device. It’s what sets it apart from other big-screened smartphones. In the jump from the Galaxy Note to the Galaxy Note 2, we’ve seen Samsung not only tweak the S Pen itself, but continue to improve on the software.

Rumors are scarce at this point in regards to the S Pen or any software, but consumers should expect the S Pen experience to beat the experience on the Galaxy Note 2.

Samsung is rumored to be increasing the display size of the Galaxy Note 3 which, if true, and it appears likely at this point, would open up more space for S Pen use than ever before. The device is also could be taller, thanks to Samsung not wanting to widen it too much (think: iPhone 5) and that should provide quite a bit of real estate for those that heavily depend on the S Pen.

One thing that we can see happening is Samsung coming up with some brilliant ways to utilize both the S Pen and touch. With the Galaxy S4 introducing sensors that allow users to use their finger like the S Pen, the Galaxy Note 3 will likely have some of the same sensors, and we could see the S Pen experience getting combined with some touch gestures. And finally, simply, expect new S Pen software.

Details are scarce and theories are prevalent but this is an area where the Galaxy Note 3 should reign.

Can Use With Gloves

The Samsung Galaxy S4 introduced a nifty little feature to the Galaxy series in the form of being able to use the device whilst using gloves. This is a feature that isn’t available on many big name smartphones and while it’s a small feature, it’s one that is extremely nice for those that commute with their device, live in cold environments, or bring their smartphone into the field.

In the case of a large screen device like the Galaxy Note 3, it’s likely all three. The Galaxy Note 2 doesn’t have this feature, though users can buy gloves that work with the device, but the Galaxy Note 3 should have this feature bundled in, yet another way it could beat the Galaxy Note 2.

Better Gaming Experience

Believe it or not, there are plenty of people that choose a smartphone based on how the device handles gaming. Both the Samsung Galaxy Note and the Galaxy Note 2 in particular are fantastic for those looking to play games as they feature nice, large displays and access, of course, to the Google Play Store’s massive game selection.

The Galaxy Note 3 should work with Samsung’s new gaming controller.

The Galaxy Note 3, plain and simple, could be the best gaming smartphone that Samsung has ever offered. For one, it’s supposed to have a larger display with high resolution. That means games will look good. It’s supposed to have a fast processor, perhaps a Snapdragon 800 or Exynos 5 Octa. That means games will run smoothly. And finally, it should have a top-notch graphics processing unit (GPU) which should ensure a fantastic experience overall.

The Galaxy Note 2 is a great gaming device but look for the Galaxy Note 3 to be an even better one.

Wireless Charging

The Samsung Galaxy S4 has ushered in a new era for Galaxy devices as Samsung finally has delivered on its wireless charging promises that first emerged with the Galaxy S3. The Galaxy S4 can take advantage of a new wireless charging kit that Samsung will release in the coming weeks which will allow users to charge it without wires using the Qi standard.

It would be extremely strange to see Samsung leave the Galaxy Note 3, an equally important device, out of the wireless charging picture. With the Galaxy Note 2 sporting a smaller design, it may never get support. Count on this being an area where the Galaxy Note 3 beats the Galaxy Note 2.

Better SD Card Support

Expect better microSD card support on the Galaxy Note 3.

One of the nice things about Samsung’s smartphones is that they come with microSD card support for expanded storage. Unlike the iPhone 5 or HTC One, Galaxy S4 owners can simply pop in an SD card to expand the storage beyond the 16GB or 32GB. With support for 64GB microSD cards, that’s quite a bit of storage.

Problem is, when the Galaxy S4 first arrived, the device’s microSD card slot didn’t support the ability to store applications. It does now and it’s a sign that Samsung will issue that kind of support for the Galaxy Note 3. Official support for the Galaxy Note 2 isn’t guaranteed at this point though we believe that it will likely be a given with the Galaxy Note 3.

More Storage Options

The microSD card slot has, to some carriers, eliminated the need to offer a 32GB or 64GB models on the Galaxy S4, Galaxy S3 and yes, the Galaxy Note 2. In fact, the Galaxy Note 2 comes in 16GB form only. And while the pleas for a 32GB model haven’t been as strong as the pleas from Galaxy S4 owners, we could see this unrest push carriers to offer at least a 32GB Galaxy Note 3.

Will every carrier offer one? Probably not, but we could see a carrier or two try to set themselves apart from the rest of the pack and offer larger storage models, maybe even a limited quantity, to those that need it. And believe us, there will be those that do, especially if it comes with a fantastic new camera.

More Carriers

Unlike the Samsung Galaxy S4, the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 never arrived on carriers like C Spire or Cricket Wireless. Instead, Samsung opted to unleash it on the big five including AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular and Verizon Wireless. This could be the case again, but it also could be that a new carrier or two decides to capitalize on the popularity of the Galaxy Note series with a Galaxy Note 3 launch.

Carrier options are big for smartphone shoppers and there are plenty of people out there that would love to buy a Galaxy Note 3 on a smaller, less congested carrier. If Samsung delivers, this would be a win for the Galaxy Note 3 and consumers alike.

Slimmer Design

Those looking for a big overall design change from the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 to the Galaxy Note 3 will likely not get one as the company is rumored to be keeping its plastic look with a style based on the Samsung Galaxy S4. However, that doesn’t mean that there won’t be tweaks, tweaks that make the Galaxy Note 3 design better than the Galaxy Note 2’s.

Here is how the Galaxy Note to Galaxy Note 2 dimensions compare:

Galaxy Note 2 – 151.1 x 80.5 x 9.4mm – 6.35 oz.

Galaxy Note – 146.9 x 83 x 9.7 mm – 6.28 oz.

The Galaxy Note 3 is expected to be slimmer than both of these, by quite a bit, with a frame said to be checking in around 8mm. That’s about as thin as the Galaxy S4 which measures in at 7.9mm thin.

The Samsung Galaxy Not 3 should be slimmer than the Galaxy Note 2.

It’s thought to be about 182 grams heavy, which is about 6.41 oz, but that’s excusable given that it’s supposed to be larger than the Galaxy Note 2 and Galaxy Note.

One of our biggest complaints about the Galaxy Note series is its pocketability. Simply, it’s not easy to lug around. With a thinner frame, Samsung will make the device much easier to store in a jean pocket to carry around, you know, like a normal smartphone.

Quicker Charging

Whispers point to one of two, if not both, processors being on board the Samsung Galaxy Note 3. The first, the new Exynos 5 Octa processor that arrived at CES in January and is inside the Galaxy S4. The second, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor that debuted at CES as well and has yet to make it to a device.

If Samsung does opt for the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 chip, it could mean faster charging for Galaxy Note 3 users. We’ve heard rumors suggesting that the Snapdragon 800 is inside the Nexus 7 tablet and that its QuickCharge 2.0 technology could fully charge the device in three hours instead of a full seven hours.

Think about what it could do with a smaller device like the Samsung Galaxy Note 3. We’ve also heard about a new Exynos 5 processor that could ultimately be a new Exynos 5 Octa processor. It too could have quick charging capabilities but that’s not yet known.

If the Galaxy Note 3 does indeed have quick charging, it would be a serious upgrade over the Galaxy Note 2, a device that charges fairly slowly.

Better Battery Life

Whatever the processor that the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 ends up with, it should help to enhance the battery life that is on board the phablet. The Galaxy Note 2 was known for its good battery life, thanks to a massive battery. The Galaxy Note 3, thanks to its larger display, should have a massive stock battery on board as well.

And with a processor like the Exynos 5 Octa or Snapdragon 800, whose job is to maintain a good balance of power, we could see some remarkable battery life emerge on the Galaxy Note 3, even better than that found on the Galaxy Note 2.

IR Port

The Galaxy Note 3 could have an IR port as well.

One of the less talked about features of the Samsung Galaxy S4 is its IR port which allows users to use their device to control their home entertainment devices. Whether it’s speakers or television, the Galaxy S4 acts as a universal remote, eliminating the need for a host of controls.

The Galaxy Note 2 does not have an IR port though we full expect Samsung to equip the Galaxy Note 3 with an IR port so that it can take fully advantage of the company’s WatchON software.

Better Speakers

And finally, the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 could boast better speakers than the Samsung Galaxy Note 2. The Galaxy Note series is a media consuming beast and as such, it should have access to fantastic sound quality. The Galaxy Note 2 speakers are good, but they aren’t as good as some other devices on the market, HTC’s devices in particular.

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HTC One’s sports Beats Audio, BoomSound and front-facing speakers, all of which are crucial when trying to watch content on the web or listen to some music whilst on the go. Samsung should feel the need to step up its game, particularly when it comes to the Galaxy Note 3, and thanks to some tweaks with the Galaxy S4 – the position of the speaker in particular, it’s clear that Samsung is cognizant of the fact that people want great smartphone audio.

The Note 3 has been sounding like it’s shaping up to be quite a monster – if I had a final wish from Samsing, it would be to beat Ubunto & Canonical in launching a phone that docks with a monitor and keyboard, and boots into a desktop-mode. With the processing power and RAM of newer phones, it should be no problem running many programs you’d find on home or office computers… And with faster 4G LTE speeds, something like that could serve as a real alternative to land line cable internet access.
I currently enjoy Unlimited data through my carrier, and it would tickle me pink to give Comcast the finger. At any rate, 2 cents.

Yanno, sipping my coffee here this morning, a couple thoughts… In the “Camera” section, shouldn’t the S Orb and other photography software be mentioned as well? Samsung has been on a roll lately in trying to shoehorn every possible feature they can think of (or have heard about) into their Galaxy phones. Win for consumers! Also, I’m not completely sold on the “slimmer design” rumor… wouldn’t that throw the aspect ratio of the display off, which most devices are now optimized for use with video playback and gaming? Is Samsung planning on developers everywhere to re-tweek their apps to work on the new skinny-screen, or are we all expected to put up with black bars on either side of the display whenever we’re using a non-native Samsung app?

It is just ridiculous to write that microSD slot has “eliminated the need for 32GB and 64GB versions”. A microSD card can offer no more than 64GB of storage and NO 128GB versions of the card is on the horizon either. Me, and a lot of people want a phone with more that 100GB of internal storage. With the advent of high-resolution video cameras and apps in the size of over 2GB each it would be about time to release something even bigger than that.

How about 256GB and 512GB versions of the phone with an additional hot swappable FullSDXC slot (or two) in it?

I love my original Galaxy Note and am hoping to upgrade to the 3 as soon as possible. I’m really intrigued by what you said about the possibility of being able to use it while wearing gloves. Would it just be the conductive gloves or any gloves, such as canvas work gloves or gardening gloves? If it will also be touch sensitive like the old smart phones, and my fingernails can do the work of the S pen, that would be just too awesome! Thanks for the great information.

I have galaxy note; and galaxy note 2; and I updated my galaxy note to gelly bean 4.1.2; believe me there is no big difference between them; so l’ll sell the note 2 and wait the note 3, I really like the original galaxy note

How strong are the rumors of the thinner screen being that unbreakable flex material? I don’t have tremendous issues fitting in my pockets, I do however have to remove it every time I sit, squat, or Amy movement that puts stress on the screen. That flexibility will guarantee the upgrade to the Note 3 for me!

Samsungs flexible display technology (aka: Youm) is most likely NOT going to be present in the Note III – unless they have managed to fix the encapsulation problem in time to gear up production for the release window. No biggie. I’m still holding out for thin-film displays that roll or otherwise collapse into a small area, and you can unfurl from the home device into a much larger configuration. Ha! And flying cars and food replicators too!

Change ur original micro usb cable with 2 wire micro usb cable that used to charge battery only (the cheap model). Just like powerbank cable charger only-that not for data transfering. and keep using samsung standart 2 Amps charger! And ur sgn2 will fully charge as fast like any other phone. It took 3 hours for extra fast n safely charge for ur 3100mAh std battery.
For sgn3… i’ll see for the spec, size and features first before i exchange my sgn2

I just want to note that I wish Samsung would add a detachable bluetooth ear phone on their phablets. One that is ready to use upon detachment and is placed within the contour shape on the side of the phablet body.
It will not need a lot of battery juice unlike the typical earphone because once you’re done talking with it, it will go right back to the phablet and be recharged. When a typical earphone is being recharged you are recharging its usage calling time and also its resting time (rest times tend to be longer at most times). With the detachable earphone idea you are only recharging the usage calling time which translates to less battery power and less time needed to recharge back the juice that was used. Having said that you will not have an issue of having an uncharged earphone and don’t have to spend extra time recharging it as well and find a place to recharge it. If Samsung maintains about having a removable battery on their phablets then one can simply choose to bring an extra battery. In the mean time the ongoing advancements is trending towards less power drain capability type of hardwares and more juiced up battery types. Not to mention phablets can accommodate a larger piece of battery which can hold more power. Having mention trends – there’s more texting now than phone calling. With regard to uncomfortableness on the ear usage this will get better during trial and error in the development stage – and by the way you’re most likely to be off the phone than being on it. And when competition kicks in you’ll see several awesome choices instead. There will be competition with this feature as this will also encompass laptop items and who knows what other type of machines. You won’t look like a geek anymore.